Screwing up in the Dolomites
Rodolfo Saccani of the FIVL writes:
We keep having serious problems in the Dolomites (expecially in
Canazei – Col Rodella – Pordoi – Marmolada).
>>> The Dolomites area is again at risk of being closed to free flight!
I ask you to please help us in informing European pilots and schools by
publishing on your websites and magazines the following information (please also
send me links to your websites once you published the news so that we can show
to the authorities our cooperation in keeping these area safe).
The search and rescue helicopter service in the Dolomites area (Canazei, Col
Rodella, Pordoi, Marmolada) is still struggling when hundreds of pilots, from
all over Europe, keep flying during rescue operations not allowing the
helicopter to properly operate to help fellow free flight pilots that need
assistance.
The situation is so bad that the authorities will close the area if we can't
manage to solve this problem. In order to keep everybody safe and in order to
keep open to free flight one of the most beautiful flight areas in the world,
all pilots flying in the Dolomites area are requested to:
1) Take note: the official phone number in Italy for the rescue service is 118.
2) Starting from this year, we start experimenting with a radio channel reserved
to flight safety. Keep a radio always listening on the safety radio channel that
we call "8-16" which is PMR channel 8 with CTSS subtone 16. For the most
technical pilots the frequency is 446,09375 Mhz + subtone 114,8 Hz This radio
channel will be used to provide instructions during rescue operations and for
any other safety-related communication. Keep the channel free, don't use it for
non-safety communications. PMR radios are cheap and light. Getting a second
radio just for this safety channel is a good choice: it will be your cheapest
piece of safety equipment. Communication during emergencies is very important.
3) When you see the helicopter (red or yellow) fly at least 2Km away from the
rescue area.
4) Tell also to your friends, on your usual radio channel, to move 2Km away from
the rescue area.
5) If there is no other way to communicate with them, use the "ears" with the
paraglider as a way to communicate that they also have to leave the area.
6) Don't stay in front of the helicopter when it's hovering. Even when you think
that the helicopter has reached it's operation place and that it's safe to keep
flying, the helicopter is probably waiting for free flight pilots (including
yourself) to move away in order to proceed to the rescue area.
7) Every pilot flying in the Dolomites area must have a red and a green smoke
bomb. They can be found at the Col Rodella cablecar. If you have an accident and
need medical help use the red smoke bomb. If you have an accident and don't need
medical assistance use the green smoke bomb and fold the wing.
Rodolfo Saccani | Commissione Sicurezza FIVL
